Apparatus for setting and driving railroad spikes



Dec. 29, 1964 c. D. JOHNSON APPARATUS FOR SETTING AND DRIVING RAILROAD SPIKEIS ll Sheets-Sheet l June/22 01" I Jazz/1002A Filed March 6, 1961 Dec. 29, 1964 c. D. JOHNSON 3,163,122

APPARATUS vFOR SETTING AND DRIVING RAILROAD SPIKES Filed March 6, 1961 ll Sheets-Sheet 2 5 62 1 pjlgzfor 6720/ 6.; -.]5 Ida/L 7 mm Dec. 29, 1964 c. D. JOHNSON 3,163,122

APPARATUS FOR SETTING AND DRIVING RAILROAD SPIKES Filed March 6, 1961 ll Sheets-Sheet 3 Dec. 29, 1964 c. D. JOHNSON APPARATUS FOR SETTING AND DRIVING RAILROAD SPIKE-S ll Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 6, 1961 Dec. 29, 1964 c. D. JOHNSON 3,163,122

APPARATUS FOR swrmc AND DRIVING RAILROAD SPIKES Filed March 6, 1961 I 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 c. D. JOHNSON 3,163,122 APPARATUS FOR SETTING AND DRIVING RAILROAD SPIKEIS Dec. 29, 1964 ll Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed March 6, 1961 C pj/ge/ziar 2 a: J 1 @Z W Dec. 29, 1964 c. D. JOHNSON 3,153,122

APPARATUS FOR SETTING AND DRIVING RAILROAD SPIKES Filed March 6, 1961 ll Sheets-Sheet Jzz/crzzar /za/-Z "75/2/2607 71 wan/g1 W @4422 i 7, JM/QZW Dec. 29, 1964 c. D. JOHNSON 3,163,122

APPARATUS FOR SETTING AND DRIVING RAILROAD SP'IKEIS Filed March 6, 1961 ll Sheets-Sheet 8 Dec. 29, 1964 c. D. JOHNSON 3,163,122

APPARATUS FOR SETTING AND DRIVING RAILROAD SPIKES Filed March a, 1961 11 Sheets-Sheet 9 @lam/ Dec. 29, 1964 c. D. JOHNSON 3,163,122

APPARATUS FOR SETTING AND DRIVING RAILROAD SPIKES ll Sheets-Sheet l0 Filed March 6, 1961 Dec. 29, 1964 c. D. JOHNSON APPARATUS FOR SETTING AND DRIVING RAILROAD SPIKES l1 Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed March 6, 1961 36 Q I A x m .Qmm Qwg 45%. 55 &

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M WAY o AW i United States Patent 3,163,122 APPARATUS FOR SET'IENG AND DNVING RGAD SPIKES Charles D. .Iohnson, Fairmont, Minn assignor to Fairmont Railway Motors, Inc., Fairmont, Minn, a corporation of Minnesota Filed Mar. 6, E61, Ser. N %,481 1 Claim. (Cl. 10417) This invention relates generally to new and useful improvements in apparatus for driving railroad spikes.

In the laying of rails, it is customary to use tie plates and to place the rails upon the tie plates. Tie plates usually are provided with holes to receive the spikes for opposite sides of the rail. The tie plates differ in size and in the spacing of the spike receiving holes, depending, usually, upon the size of the rail.

The conventional practice is to drive two spikes in the diagonally opposite spike holes, i.e., one on the field side of the rail and the other on the gauge side. It will, of course, be understood that, in the driving of the spikes, the lip of the spike head is positioned to overlie the base of the rail.

While attempts have been made to provide apparatus which will both set and drive spikes simultaneously on the field and gauge sides of the rails, so far as is known, it is still the practice for workmen manually to set the spikes first and then drive them, either manually or by means of spike driving apparatus. The preliminary setting or initial driving of the spikes presents a considerable problem inasmuch as spikes must be set in the proper vertical plane and since, in track work, a tremendous number of spikes are driven in a single day, the operation is a slow, laborious, and relatively expensive one.

A further problem encountered when providing apparatus for driving spikes is that it is necessary to spot the spikes to be driven in substantially perfect alignment with the holes in the tie plates and normal to the plane of the tie. In order to simplify and expedite the operation, it is necessary to provide a railway car which moves along the track and, whether power driven, which is preferable, or manually moved along the track, inertia forces are involved which make diiiicult the registering operation. This presents an additional problem which must be solved if the best and most efiicient results are to be obtained.

The above are a few of the problems which must be solved in providing a practicable apparatus for the purpose of driving railroad spikes.

A general object of the invention is to provide appa ratus wherewith railroad spikes can simultaneously he set and driven on both the field and gauge sides of a single rail.

Another object of the invention is to provide means whereby the spike driving apparatus may be quickly and easily spotted or located so that the spikes will be in desired alignment with the underlying holes in the tie plates.

Another object of the invention is to provide means whereby a single workman positioned on a wheeled vehicle carrying the spike setting and driving mechanism can quickly and easily cause movement of the vehicle in the forward and reverse directions, to locate spike setting and driving apparatus in an approximately correct posiye C6 tion and then manipulate the apparatus quickly to make the final necessary adjustment for accurate setting and spike driving.

Again, it is an object of the invention to provide mechanism whereby a second operator conveniently located on a wheeled vehicle can supply spikes from a single location on the vehicle for both sides of the rail and means whereby spikes will automatically then be moved to the spike setting and driving position.

Further and specific objects or the invention are to provide means whereby the lip portions of the spike heads of the spikes to be set and driven on one side of the rail can be manipulated to assure that the lip of the head be pointed toward the rail when reaching the spike setting and driving position.

Further and more specific objects of the invention will appear as the specification proceeds to describe the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus, as viewed from the field side, which includes a main wheeled vehicle and a trailer vehicle carrying means for supplying air under pressure;

FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional view substantially on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, illustrating movable sub-frame, on the main vehicle, and parts positioned thereon;

FIG. 2A is a detailed vertical sectional view substantially on the line 2A2A of FIG. 2, but showing some additional portions to the left which do not appear in FIG. 2; 7

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective generally elevational view of parts mounted on the movable sub-frame as viewed from the gauge side of the vehicle;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective generally elevational view of the parts mounted on the movable subframe, but from the field side as viewed from the left end of FIG. 1 at an angle of about 45 degrees;

FIG. 4A is a detail vertical section on the line 4A-4A of FIG. 4, but on a larger scale;

FIG. 4B is a fragmentary detail vertical sectional view on the line 4B4B of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4C is a fragmentary detail vertical sectional view on the line 4C4C of FIG. 4B showing how the spike is supported between the tubular guides;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of certain of the lower parts shown in FIG. 4, with one of the parts removed for illustrative purposes and on a scale greater than that of FIG, 4;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the lower portions of certain of the parts as viewed from the left hand seat appearing in FIG. 1 and showing the visibility the operator has of the spike in one of the spike locating assemblies; 1

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view in elevation through the movable sub-frame taken on the line 7'7 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view on the line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line 99 of FIG. 8; V

FIG. 10 is a detail fragmentary sectional view on the line 1ti1tB of FIG.9

FIG. 11 is a vertical view, partly in elevation and partly in section, through one of the hydraulic cylinders of which there are .two pairs, and which serve to raise the two air hammers, the two spike locating assemblies, and the two chutes which finally guide and deliver one spike to each of the two spike locating assemblies for future controlled gravity descent, the scale being enlarged with respect to the showing in other of the figures;

FIG. 12 is a detail plan View on an enlarged scale relative to FIG. 2 of the spike locating assembly;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of the parts shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is'a detailed vertical section on the line l4l4 of FIG. 13, but on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view on the scale of FIG. 14 of one of the spike engaging blocks (of which there are right and left members) one of which is mounted in each of the two swingable jaws, each pair of jaws of the spike locating assemblies best shown in FIGS. l2, l3, and 14;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary plan view of a tie, tie plate, rail and spike assembly;

FIG. 17 is a detailed vertical sectional view on the line 17-17 of FIG. 16, but showing also lower portions of the air hammers as positioned for driving spikes;

FIG. 18 is detailed fragmentary vertical elevational detail view on the line 1818 of FIG. 3 showing the means for advancing the spike feed chain which intermittently discharges spikes to the flip-over mechanism associated with the field side of the apparatus. Certain other parts of the apparatus are omitted for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 19 is a plan View of the parts shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary detailed elevational view illustrating a pair of right and left hand members which first serve to arrest the downward movement of spikes delivered to the guides which extend downwardly toward the spike locating assembly and then intermittently release the spikes, one at a time, for further downward movement toward a second generally similar spike arresting mechanism arranged at a lower elevation adiacent the upper end of the spike directing chute;

FIG. 20A is a view on line ZilA-ZQA of FIG. 20, but illustrating additional parts, and on a smaller scale;

FIG. 21 is a plan View of the right hand member of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 20, but illustrating the second and lower spike arresting mechanism which is generally similar to that shown in FIG. 20, but which has certain modified construction, the purpose of which will be explained later;

FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 21, but showing the right hand member of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a schematic elevational view illustrating, by means of full lines, light dotted lines, and heavy dotted lines, different positions which upright pairs of hydraulic cylinders assume on the vertical rods on which they are slidable, the different positions of the air hammer which moves with the hydraulic cylinders, and the movement of a vertical frame between the cylinders and certain parts carried by said vertical frame;

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic system and certain parts associated therewith for illustrative purposes; and

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic view of the wiring system and certain parts associated therewith for illustrative purposes.

Identification of Some of the Admin Parts of the Apparatus Before describing the apparatus in detail it is believed a general description of some of the main parts of the apparatus and the mode of operation will facilitate an understanding of the invention. Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1, 2, 25 and 26, the apparatus comprises a main vehicle A designed to travel on the rails of a railway track. it is designed to carry two operators for whom seats Di and D2 are provided. There are also spike setting and driving mechanisms SD, a prime mover C, and an hydraulic pump Cl driven thereby, reservoir L for hydraulic fluid, hydraulic fluid accumulator M, hydraulic motors FM and RM for driving the main vehicle in forward and reverse directions, various hydraulic control valves and means for manipulating them, an air control valve, micro-switches together with means for actuating them, and other parts, such as conduits, for conveying hydraulic fluid and air to various devices which are actuated by these mechanisms.

A trailer vehicle B is provided and is a wheeled vehicle adapted for rail travel and carries a prime mover, air pump, air reservoirs, and associated parts for supplying air under pressure to the main air control valve N on the main vehicle. It is connected to move with the main vehicle.

Prime mover C, as shown, is an internal combustion engine, but may be any other suitable means.

Seat D3 is occupied by the main operator who controls forward and reverse movement of the main vehicle through rockable foot control means E on the platform of the vehicle and swings levers F and G during operation of the apparatus.

When lever F is pushed away from the seat D1 the movable sub-frame l is moved longitudinally through a suitable bell crank and linkage mechanism to the right as viewed in PEG. 1, and when pulled toward seat D1 is moved in the opposite direction.

Lever G is swung by the operator on seat Di for causing raising and lowering of certain parts of the spike setting and driving mechanism which are supported on the movable sub-frame I. By moving lever G toward seat Di, hydraulic pressure is applied to two pairs of cylinders K to raise them and to cause upward movement of various parts carried thereby. Movement of lever G away from seat D1 permits hydraulic fluid from cylinder K to return to the reservoir L and allows cylinder K and parts carried thereby to lower by gravity, as will be explained in detail later. When lever G is in neutral position fluid does not flow to or away from cylinders K.

Reservoir I. is an hydraulic fiuid reservoir from which hydraulic fluid is drawn and to which fluid is returned during the operation of the apparatus.

Accumulator M is an hydraulic fluid accumulator which functions to store and periodically discharge fluid under controlled conditions.

There are main air valves N controlled by means of a solenoid which in turn is energized and dc-energized under the control of certain micro-switches which are actuated during a cycle of operation of the apparatus.

OF and 06 are spike locating assemblies which are alike except that OP is positioned to locate the spike on the field side of the rail, while 06 is positioned to locate the spike on the gauge side of the rail.

PF and PG are air hammers which are alike in construction except that PF is positioned to drive the spike on the field side of the rail while PG is positioned to drive the spike on the gauge side of the rail.

GP and QG are spike feeder slides which feed spikes downwardly by gravity and which are alike except that Q? is for the field side and G for the gauge side of the rail. Another difference is that there is associated with Q? a conveyor mechaniasm R for conveying spikes from the operators side of the vehicle to and discharging them into slide QF. Additionally, there is associated with slides Q? a flip-over device S which serves to dip the spikes discharged into guides QF so that the spikes hang from the guides QF with the points downwardly and with the lip of the spike pointing in the correct direction.

The spike conveyor R, as shown, comprises an endless chain conveyor on the upper pass of which the operator places spikes to discharge them into the spike feeder guides QF.

General Statement Regarding Operation of Apparatus It is assumed that the prime mover C is in operation driving the hydraulic pump and providing fluid under pressure to the system. It is also assumed that the air compressor is in operation on the trailer supplying air under pressure to the main air valve N on the main vehicle.

Normal operation requires two operators, one in seat D1 and the other in seat D2.

By means of foot pedal E the operator in seat D1 causes movement of the main vehicle along the rails until the spike locating means are in approximately the right position over the spike receiving holes of the tie plate where the spikes are to be driven. Final adjustment will then be made by shifting the movable sub-frame l toassure that the spike positioned in the spike locating assemblies OF and G are accurately aligned with the holes in the tie plate.

Assume also that there has been one or more cycles of operation and that the vertical framing which carries the spike locating assemblies OF and 0G and the hydraulic cylinders K, together with the parts carried thereby, is in its uppermost position. The swingable jaws of the spike locating assemblies will be in closed position at this time and a spike will be positioned therein with the spike head on the upper side of jaws and with several inches of spike extending below the jaws and pointing directly at the underlying hole in the plate in a position to be observed by the operator in seat D1 in at least spike locating assembly OF.

At this time the lever G would be in neutral position, having been returned by spring means against which the operator had been holding the lever Whilst the mechanism was moving upwardly.

To lower the mechanism, the operator moves lever G in a direction opposite to that in which it is moved to raise the cylinders which, througha spool valve, will permit hydraulic fluid to flow back to the reservoir.

By gravity the entire driving assembly moves down together until the bottom end of the vertical guide frame thereof engages an adjustable vertical stop on a fixed part of the sub-frame of the vehicle. At this time, further downward movement of the vertical guide frame is prevented as the driving assembly continues its downward movement, parts sliding on certain vertical guide rods of the vertical guide frame. This causes hammer socket of the air hammer to engage the spike head and drive the spike about an inch and one half, because means will have functioned to open the main air valve N, whereby to deliver air to the air hammer and set it in operation.

A cam, carried by one of the hydraulic cylinders K, engages a spool of a spool valve associated with the hydraulic control of the spike locating assembly, permitting hydraulic fluid to flow to the reservoir, which results in opening jaws of the spike locating assembly, thus permitting the front head-of the air hammer to continue down into a position between the open jaws and letting a reciprocating anvil complete the driving of the spike to final position.

To move the hydraulic cylinder assembly and associated parts upward, the operator in seat D1 moves lever G to admit hydraulic fluid to the upstanding rods on which the cylinders are slidable, causing the cylinders K and all connected parts to raise, excepting vertical guide frame which has a delayed action and does not move until an upper sleeve supported by upper brackets attached to the cylinders K engages under an upper horizontal overhan ing part of the vertical guide frame, whereupon the ver tical guide frame moves upwardly with the rest of the structure.

When the hydraulic cylinder assembly reaches its uppermost position, mechanism functions to close the jaws of the spike positioning assembly so that it is ready to receive another spike.

lit will be understood that the operator in seat D2 continues to place spikes in spike feeder slides on the gauge side of the apparatus and on the conveyor chain for movement to and discharge into the spike feeder slides of the field side; also, that the spikes on the field side will be flipped over as before explained, and that the spikes will be intermittently released by the upper spike arresting mechanism and the lower spike arresting mechanism, in order to supply a spike to each of the spike positioning assemblies during each cycle of operation.

The manner in which all of the parts function and the details of construction thereof will be described later, but it is thought the foregoing general statement will be sufficient to facilitate an understanding of the construction and mode of operation thereof, as later explained in more detail.

The Main Vehicle The main vehicle A (see FIG. 1) comprises a frame which includes longitudinal side members 30 cross connected by transverse members 31. The framing of the vehicle is supported upon flanged wheels 32 for engagement with the rails 33, the base portions of which engage tie plates 34 supported upon ties 35 in conventional manner. The tie plates 34 have holes on the gauge and field sides of the rail to permit driving of the spikes into the ties with the lips of the spike heads extending into overhanging engagement with the base of the rail in well-known manner.

At each side of the main vehicle A below the longitudinal side frame members 30 is a longitudinal member 37 supported by means of the vertical members 33. The members 37 serve as rails on which the movable subframe I rolls in response to swinging movement of lever F by operator in seat D2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and as explained in detail later.

Movement of the main vehicle along the rails in forward and reverse direction is eflected by the operator in seat D1 through rockable foot pedal E and hydraulicmotors FM-RM under the vehicle frame.

On the frame of the main vehicle there is positioned a platform 4-1 on which the operators chairs D1 and D2 are supported. it will be noted that the platform 41 is of such shape that an open well 42 is provided through which the lower portions of the spike setting and driving H mechanism extends and which, as will be explained later,

permits the operator on seat D1 to see the spike locating assembly and the spike positioned therein so that registry of the spikes with the holes in the tie plates can be effected.

In addition to the parts mentioned above there is mounted on the main vehicle, the prime mover C, hydraulic pump C1, accumulator M, main air valves N and N, reservoir L, and certain other parts which will be referred to in detail later.

The Trailer Vehicle The trailer vehicle B is a wheeled vehicle adapted to travel on the rails of the railway and is coupled to move with the main vehicle A. As shown it is a'conventional piece of equipment including a prime mover, air pump and air reservoirs operative to supply air under pressure through a suitable conduit to the main air valve N on the main vehicle and, also, to air valve N.

The Movable Sub-Frame and Parts Carried Thereby The movable sub-frame I is best tshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and comprises a horizontally disposed frame consisting of spaced members 5% and 51 which extend transversely of the main vehicle and rail, and connecting members 52 and 53 which extend lengthwise of the main vehicle and parallel to the rail.

The movable sub-frame is adapted for movement forwardly and rearwardly, relative to the frame of the main vehicle, by means of rotatably mounted flanged wheels 54 which ride upon the members 37 at each side of the main frame.

Hydraulically operable means 56, best shown in FlGS. 2, 2A and 25, are provided to prevent undue movement of the movable sub-frame along the members 37 of the main frame, as a result of inertia forces created by sudden movement of or change of direction of the main vehicle. The hydraulic circuit will be explained later, the structure comprises a hydraulic cylinder 56 (see FIG. 2A) secured against movement by attachment to brackets 57 affixed to a member 53 depending from the cross member .31 of the vehicle main frame. Positioned within the cylinder 56 is a piston portion so attached to a piston rod 61, the end 62 of which is attached to a stud 63 secured to and upstanding from the movable sub-frame cross member 5%.

Mounted on cross members 5% and 51 of the movable sub-frame I are gauging mechanisms 65, the specific construction and operation of which will be described later under a separate heading entitled Gauging Mechanism.

Supported from the movable sub-frame l is the spike locating or setting and spike driving mechanism to which the reference SD, as a whole, is applied in FIG. 1. However, since this mechanism comprises two assemblies, one for the field side of the rail and the other for the gauge side of the rail, and since, with the exceptions noted later, they are alike in construction and. operation, the corresponding parts on the gauge side will bear the same numerals as those on the field side, but with a prime added.

Upstanding from the movable sub-frarne cross members 59 and 51 are brackets 67 and dd. Extending between brackets 57 and 63 with the ends fixed therein are upper and lower rods 69 and 7%}, the brackets 6 and 63 being movable along the transverse sub-frame members by means which will be described later, more particularly in connection with FIGS. 2, 7 and 8.

Mounted on the rods 69 and 7d and connected for movement as a unit by plate '71 along these rods are two cantilever brackets '72 and '73. To move the cantilever brackets 72 and '73 along the rods as and 7h for adjustment of the spike locating assembly OF, and other parts carried by the cantilever brackets, there is provided a hand wheel '75 mounted to cause rotation of shaft '76, the inner end of which is threaded and operates in a threaded opening in cantilever bracket 73. Rotation of hand wheel '75 in a clock-wise direction causes movement of the cantilever brackets and associated parts in one direction and movement of the hand wheel 75 in a counter-clockwise direction causes the cantilever brackets and associated parts to move as a unit in the opposite direction.

Secured to and upstanding from the ends of the cantilever brackets 72 and 73 are rods so and 83, the upper ends of which are connected together by a brace member 83 which provides rigidity for the assembly. Vertically slidable on the rods 8% and fill are cylinders K, the specific construction of which, in relation to the rods St) and Si is best shown in FIG. ll. it will be seen that the rod 1 6 has a piston-like portion 84 intermediate its ends.

That part of the rod extending upwardly of the cylinder assembly has a central bore 85 for receiving hydraulic fluid under pressure for discharge through cross drill openings 87, immediately above the piston portion which will raise the cylinders K and all parts connected therewith.

V A more detailed explanation of the operation will be given later in connection with the diagrammatic view PKG. 25.

As is perhaps best shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 24, $49, as a whole, represents a vertical framing structure. It comprises a pair of spaced bars di and 2 cross connected at the top by a member ?3, having portions 93 with hollow bearings 94 into which the upper ends of rods 5 extend and in which they are secured against movement. The lower ends of rods 5 enter and are affixed in bearing brackets as projecting from the sides of the bars 9i and 92 adjacent the lower ends thereof. The vertical Cir framing assembly is completed by a member 97 which extends between is connected to the lower ends of the bars 91 and 92.

in to st ort the vertical framing assembly 9% re is provide upper and lower brackets 8 and which are con xtcd together by a vertical plate portion. The brackets and ll? are fixedly attached to the cylinders at and till, r spectively. The bracket $8 includes a g portion 192- and the bracket 99 includes bearing portion 1% through which the rods 5 of the vertii ng assembly Xtend to permit relative vertical sliding movement or" the hydraulic cylinders K and the brackets hit and relative to the vertical framing assembly.

The purpose 0 scri ed later.

Mounted between the two vertical hydraulic cylinders and ahlxed to the brackets 98 and 99 to move up and down with the hydra c cylinders is an air hammer PP. The rr .nner in which the hammer functions to drive the spike will be explained later.

this relative movement will be de- The Spike Com-*eyor [Mechanism In order to convey spikes from a position on the main vehicle Mich is adjacent the operators seat D2 on the gauge side of the rail to the field side there is provided a conveyor in the form of an endless chain 1&5 which opcrates in hollow trough disposed transversely of the main vehicle and rail. The details are best shown in FEGS. l, 4, 4A, 4B, 18 and 19. The chain 195 passes around a sprocke ltfl mounted on shaft 1%, which is mounted for rotation in brackets 1% attached to the up per ends of a pair of seaced apart upright tubular members 11%, the lower ends of which are attached to the plate 71 which interconnects the two cantilever brackets '72 and 3. Ti e other end of the chain passes around a sprocket on the gauge of the trough.

The field side of the trough 113% is supported by a bracket 1 1i attached to the upper ends of the upright tubular members 13% and the gauge side is supported, as best shown in FIG. 3, by means of a bar 114 through the medium of coil springs mounted on rod members 116 secured to and upstanding from member 3 3 on the top of members Elli on the gauge side of the rail.

For intermittently advancing the upper pass of the chain 155' of the feed chain iii-5 toward the field side of the vehicle there is provided the mechanism best shown in the detail views FZGS. l3 and 19. ()n an extension of the shaft 138, which supported by the L-shaped bracket attached to the upper end of one of the upright tubular members El is a reel 12- 5 around which is wound a cable 3121. The free era of the cable is attached to an arm extending from a plate 123' which is secured to and moves with the brackets 93 and 9% of FIG. 4, but which are associated with the other vertical hydraulic cylinder of the pair of cylinders on the field side of the rail.

When the vertical frame l moves downwardly, as later described, the cab-re 1Z1 turns the reel in a clock l'ise direction as viewed in PEG. 18, thereby energizing the drum 122 through coil spring 123. When the vertical irame assembly 2b moves upwardly the stored energy -'n spring 323 turns the shaft on which the sprocket is fixed, thereby moving the upper lap of the spike conveyor chain toward the field side enough to cause one spike to discharge into the upper end or" the downwardly and outwardly extending spike feeder slide QF, as is best shown in. FIG. 4B.

The Spike Feeder Slides a vertically disposed plate 117, the legs 138 of which are Av: crib afiixed to the tubular members 116. The plate 117 also acts to arrest downward movement of the spike and discharge it into contact with the spike feeder slide members 116.

In the further movement of the spike down the spike feeder slide the spike engages the fiip-over mechanism S which causes the spike to assume the position shown in FIG. 4B, in which the spike is supported from its head with the body hanging in a substantially vertical position and with the lip 121 of the spike head pointing toward the apparatus, so that when it is finally delivered to the spike locating assembly OF the lip will be disposed in overlying relation with respect to the base of the rail on the field side.

The Upper Spike Arresting and Releasing Means As the spike slides down the spike feeder slide QF its movement is interrupted by the upper spike arresting and releasing means which, as a whole, bears the .numeral 124 and which is perhaps best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The upper spike arresting and discharging means is located at the lower end of the upper section of the spike feeder slide.

The upper spike arresting and releasing means 124 comprises a cylinder 139 fixed to upright tubular members 110 in which there is an air actuated piston, the piston rod of which projects upwardly and is affixed to a yoke plate 131 from which depend rods 1%, the lower ends of which are attached to levers 13d. Levers 13:4; are attached to members 133, which are alike except that they are right and left. As best shown in FIG. 21 member 133 includes an elongated, generally cylindrical body pordon 139 and a head portion 140. The body portions of the members 133 are mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis in bearing blocks 141 afiixed to the spike feeder slide QF.

The head 14% of member 138 is shaped at 1.43 to supportingly receive the underside of the head of the spike and, at one end, is provided with a tongue portion 145, together with the like portion on the companion member 138'. To arrest the downward movement of the spike there is provided a vertically disposed plate 138? which is aliixed to upright Ill and which is immediately in front of the lip portion of the spike head and is engaged thereby, when the parts are positioned as shown in FIG. 20. When member 138 is rocked in a clockwise direction and 138 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 21, the tongues 145-145 move downwardly, engaging the head of the spike and forcing it to drop to the upper end of the lower section of the spike feeder slide QF. The spike then slides donwwardly by gravity until again arrested by the lower spike arresting and discharging means, shortly to be described.

It should be understood that air is supplied to the cylinder to move the piston therein at the proper time, as will be explained later. at this time that air admission is controlled by a solenoid 148 at the lower end of the cylinder 13% (see PEG. 4) and that control of the solenoid is through an electronic switch, which will be described in detail later.

T he Lower Spike Arresting and Discharging Means This means, as a whole, bears numeral 149 and is located at the lower end of the bottom section of the spike feeder slide QF, just above a spike chute lot that is immediately above and which directs the spike into the spike locating assembly OF. It is similar in con truc tion and operation to the upper spike arresting and releasing means 124, except for certain details which will presently be described. For this reason the description will be limited to the differences involved. These differences are best shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 which are similar to FIGS. 20 and 21, respectively, of the upper arresting means. It will be noted that there are no tongue portions like 145 of FIGS. 20 and 21. Down- However, it may be stated ward movement of the spike is prevented by engagement of the shank portion 121' of the spike which engages extensions 152 and 152. When the members carrying the portion 152-152 (see FIGS. 22 and 23) are rotated in the direction of the arrows, the portions 152 and 152 move away from the spike, thus permitting the spike to drop by gravity into delivery chute 160. Portion 161 of a member 162 is pivoted on chute at 163 for rocking movement. The member 162 retains the spike in proper position with the lip of the spike pointing away from the base portion of the member 165 of chute ten for correct positioning of the spike in the spike locating assembly, as shown in FIG. 6.

Means for Moving Brackets 67 and 68, Rods 69 and 70, Cantilever Brackets 72 and 73, and Parts Carried Thereby This mechanism is best shown in FIGS. 2, 7, and 8. Brackets 67 and 6% can be moved along the members 5% and 51 of the movable sub-frame I by rotating sprocket wheels 57 and 68* which are mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis in brackets 67 and 68. The teeth of the sprocket wheels enter holes in the sub-frame members 5t and 51. Any suitable tool may be used manually to turn sprocket wheels on and 68 rotation in one direction causing movement of brackets 67 and 68 toward the rail and rotation in the opposite direction causing movement away from the rail.

By the means just described proper adjustment of the spike locating assembly toward and away from the rail can be effected.

Movement of cantilever brackets along the rods 69 and 7t? relative to similar brackets 72 and 7 3 is effected by turning hand wheel 75 to turn the threaded shaft 76, as before described.

The above two mechanisms, together with similar mechanism associated with the gauge side of the rail, enable the operator to set the spike locating assemblies so that they will be properly spaced relative to the two holes in the particular tie plate through which the shanks of the spikes are to pass. It will be understood that, once this setting has been made, no further adjustment is required, so long as the tie plates remain of like construction, which is usually the case for any given rail section.

Gauging Mechanism Located midway of the cross members 5% and 51 of the movable sub-frame I are gauging mechanisms 170 and 17th (best shown in FIGS. 2, 8, 9, and 10). Since they are alike in construction, a description of one will sufiice for both. This mechanism comprises a hand lever 173, pivoted at 174 in a bracket 174' adjustably mounted the. adjacent cross member of the movable sub-frame to permit swinging movement between the full and dotted line positions shown in FIG. 9. The lower portion of lever 173 carries a pair of fianged rollers 175 and 175 mounted for rotation on a bolt-like shaft 176. Exansion spring 17% tends to force the flanged rollers 175 and 175' apart, movement being limited by adjusting nut 18% and lever portion 173, respectively.

The flanged rollers 175 and 175' are shaped at 132 and 132 to conform to portions of the top and sides of the rail head, as best shown in FIG. 8.

To hold the lever 1'73 in the operative and inoperative positions shown in FIG. 9 there are provided sockets and 18-5 in the plate portion 137 of the bracket 174' on which the lever 173 is swingably mounted. A spring pressed bail arrangement (see FIG. 10) serves to hold the lever in either of two positions shown in FIG. 9. w

The purpose of swingin the flanged rollers upwardly is to permit passage of switches and for dead heading the apparatus along the track when not being used for strike driving purposes.

It should be understood that the adjustment of the l. l spike locating assemblies, as before described, will have been made after the adjustment of the flanged rollers 17 and 175 to the rail head.

The movable sub-frame I and all the parts carried thereby will now retain the proper relationship to the rail and the plate, regardless of slight transverse movement of the frame of the main vehicle relative to the rail and regardless of the slight transverse movement the sub-frame makes relative to the flanged wheels 54 and 54 which ride on the longitudinal members 37 of the main vehicle frame.

It is believed that the functioning of the apparatus will be understood by reference to the diagrammatic views 25 and 26, in which parts shown therein are given the same numbers as like parts as shown in the other views of the drawings.

The Hydraulic System The hydraulic system is schematically depicted in FIG. 25, all of the parts shown therein being mounted on the main vehicle A (FIG. 1). The prime mover (engine) C drives the double hydraulic pump C1. The inlet side is connected by line 2% to the reservoir L. Outlet 292 leads to a four-way spool-type valve 2%, the spool of which is shifted by rod 293' which is operatively connected to the foot pedal E (FIG. 1) on the main vehicle. When the spool is in one position the fluid flow is through line 204 to line 2&5 to propelling motors PM and RM, and back through lines 267 and 2&8 to valve 293 and, thence, through line 2%? to the reservoir L. This flow drives the vehicle in one direction. By shifting the spool of the valve 293, reverse drive is obtained in which event the flow is reversed, i.e., from 202 to valve 2% to line 2&8 to lines 2527, 295, 294 to valve 2%?) and line 2ti9 to the reservoir.

Flow to the hydraulic cylinders K and K. is from outlet of pump CE through line 21 to the sub-plate assembly 212 of the accumulator M.

At the bottom of sub-plate 212 is a check valve 2214. Normal flow is through line 215, through checlr valve 214. Passage, beyond check valve 214; leads through line 216, the accumulator chamber 213, and also through lines 217 and 218 to control valves 21%, 22b, and 21?.

Normally oil flows into the accumulator chamber 213 until pressure reaches a pre-determined magnitude, at which time pilot signal through line 2315 activates unloading valve 230. Check valve 214 closes, trapping oil in chamber 213 and lines 238 and 217. This shunts the pump volume through 23%) to line 231, back to reservoir L. When chamber 213 discharges, the lowered pressure again restores unloading valve 23% to normal condition, as first described.

Thus, when oil is needed to actuate the four vertical cylinders K, K, and the two horizontal cylinders 236 and 236' associated with the spike positioning assembly by means or" control valves 219, 221, and 22%, fluid under pressure is available.

To actuate the spool of valve 22%? the operator moves the lever G. When lever G is in one position the spool of valve 22% is so disposed that fluid flow will be from line 218, through 22h, through line 23%, to double restriction device 237, and by lines 23% to the upper ends of rods 89, the lower ends of which are bolted to the tops of the cantilever bracket member 72 and 73, as before described, then through passageway 86 in rods discharging as before described, through cross passages 87 adjacent piston portion 84 and, thus, forcing cylinder K u wardly (see FIG. 11).

The operator holds lever against the spring (not shown) which urges the lever toward neutral until the cylinders K and K reach uppermost position, at which time release of lever G returns it to neutral, at which time the spool of valve 22% cuts oil the flow of oil from line 2-18 to 236.

To Lower Cylinders K and Various Mechanism arried to Move Therewillz To lower such mechanism operator moves lever G in the opposite direction, thus sh fting the spool oi valve 22 to connect lines 233 and 236 to through valve 22 h and then line Edd, so that how is back to reservoir L.

The restrictions 2-37 in member 23? control speed of downward movement of the cylinders K, K, and associated parts and, also, equalize flow so both sets of cylindcrs ii and K move together at the same speed.

Control for law Structure Associated With Spike Positioning Assembly The opening and closing of the jaws of the spike positioning assembly 0? is by means of cylinder 23% which slides back and forth on rod 253, which includes a piston portion intermediate its ends.

Assume the mechanism is in its upper position. At that time how is from line 217 through line 251, through valve 259, line 252 to the connection at one end of rod 253. ince rod 253 is stationary, fluid will have moved cylinder 236 to the position shown in full lines (closed position) in schematic piping PBS. 25 and the FIGS. 12 and 13, ready to receive the spike. It should be stated that the spike will have been fed to position between the jaws before hydraulic cylinders K and K and associated mechanism starts down.

Under force of gravity the entire driving assembly moves down together, until the bottom end of the vertical guide frame assembly Ell thereof engages an adjustable vertical stop it? on a fixed part of the sub-frame of the vehi le. Ht this time, further downward movement of guide frame assembly $5 is prevented, but other mechanism of the driving assembly continues its downward movement, parts sliding on vertical guide rods of the guide frame lt, as before described. This causes the hamm r socket of the air gun PF to engage spike head and ive the spike about an inch and one half because, as will be explained later, the air valve N will have been opened to deliver air to air hammer, setting it in operation.

Cam 26%, carried by one of the cylinders K, then ran gages a projecting portion of spool of valve 219, forcing same inwardly and, thereby, moving spool so that line 252 is connected to line 2'13 which leads back to the reservoir at the same time line 2.51 is connected to line 271 which is connected, as shown most clearly in FlG. 5, to cause cylinder 236 to move outwardly on stationary rod 253, thereby moving the jaws S5 to the open dotted line position by means of the levers and linkage clearly illustrated in l2 and 13, and permitting air hammer cylinder front head) to continue down into a position between the open jaws or the assembly UP and letting the reciprocating anvil of the air hammer complete the driving operation.

U pward A ction Hydraulic lvlcans for Holding Sub-Frame A gains! Movement Due to Inertia For this purpose, as before explained in connection with FIG. 2A, there is provided a hydraulic cylinder 56 having a piston rod bl passing therethrough and having an intermediate piston portion t, one end of the piston rod at as being connected to stud 63 of the sub-frame member 50. Hydraulic line 2% leads from pump outlet 2%2' to a point adjacent cylinder 56.

Piping adjacent cylinder 56 comprises check valves 295, 295', 2%, and 296'. Check valves 296 and 296' are connected by lines 297 to reservoir L.

Functioning When Vehicle Is Moving Pressure builds up in line 294 because of pressure required to operate motors RM and PM and because check valves 295 and 295 prevent fiow therethrough. Oil previously in cylinder 56 is trapped because check valves 2% and 296' will not permit flow to reservoir L. Hence piston portion 6% and its rod 61 cannot move. Therefore, sub-frame l is held stationary.

When hydraulic drive to the vehicle hydraulic motors (on the order of 850 psi.) is cut off, pressures of a substantially lower-order obtain in the system (on the order of 50 psi.) for pressure drop through the lines to the reservoir. It should be noted that this is not accumulator pressure, which is in the other side of the pump. Should sub-frame I be moved in the direction of arrow (see FIG. 25), piston 66 forces oil out of check 295' to line 294, thence through line 282 to valve 203 to reservoir L. The oil is also drawn from reservoir L, through line 297 to check valve 2% to the opposite side of piston 60.

Reverse movement of piston 60 forces fluid out check valve 295 and draws in through fluid check valve 296'.

Electrical Circuit Switches and Certain Associated Parts It will be noted by reference to schematic View FIG. 26 that certain parts and circuits are in duplicate, one for the field side and the other for the gauge side. Hence a description of one side of such parts and circuits will suilice for both sides. Corresponding parts in other views bear like numbers primed.

Assume that the hydraulic cylinders K and all parts which move therewith are in the uppermost position and start to move downwardly by gravity, as explained earlier in the specification. r

In the electrical circuit are certain snap switches hereinafter generally termed micro-switches. Micro-switches also appear in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5.

Carried by the bracket 99 of the cylinder assembly K are lower and upper cam members 304 and 365, respectively, cam member 364 being positioned to actuate the micro-switch 391. When it engages micro-switch 331, it closes the circuit to solenoid 33 of air valve N energizing same and opening the valve to permit air under pressure to be delivered to the pneumatic hammer, causing reciprocation thereof on the order of 1200 per minute. The air hammer is or may be of conventional construction, except that the spike head engaging portion is shaped to conform to the spike head. Hence detailed description of the air hammer is not thought necessary.

In the event the spike to be driven is not aligned with the hole in the tie plate, the lower end of the pneumatic hammer will engage the head of the spike and, because the whole mechanism is merely being lowered by gravity, the spike serves to prevent further downward movement of the air hammer, vertical framing, and other parts connected therewith. The operator, noting this, jiggles subirarne I in forward and reverse directions to cause proper alignment of the spike with the hole in the tie plate, which then permits the air hammer to lower further, so that cam member 3&4 engages the micro-switch 301 as before described. Such engagement first completes the circuit to air valve solenoid 36 energizing same and opening the air valve to permit air flow to the air hammer. It also energizes the time delay relay device 315, the function of which will be described shortly.

As the spike is driven, the cylinders K, brackets 98 and 29, and air hammer PF all move down together until I ing of the spike to final position, after which the finally the higher cam member 365 operatively engages micro-switch 362.

The electrical circuit'includes a buss bar 310 energized from a 12-volt battery (not shown).

Micro-switch 361 is normally open.

Micro-switch 362 is a double pole type switch, one side being normally open and the other side normally closed.

Micro-switch 303 is a double pole type switch, one side being normally open and the other side normally closed.

Time delay relay switch 315 includes normally open switch section 316 and a solenoid coil section 317.

With the cylinders K and associated parts in upper position, the following electrical characteristics obtain:

Normally open side of switch 303 has been closed by the final end upward movement of cylinder K and associated parts and stays closed until the whole assembly starts down, at which time it then reverts to its normal condition, before described, and will so remain until the cylinders K and connected parts again reach uppermost position.

Closing the normally open side of switch 303 energizes solenoid 364) by means of line 403 from buss bar 310 through switch 303 and line 401 to solenoid 360, so that current then flows from buss bar 316, line 4% through solenoid 36% to line 361 and thence to the solenoid valve 362 on air cylinder 363, thus causing the lower spike arresting mechanism to function to release a spike to chute which, in turn, delivers the spike to the spike locating assembly OF as before described.

The mechanism is now ready to start down, as previously described, and, assuming: alignment of the spike with the tie plate holes, the lower cam 31% makes contact with micro-switch 301 (normally open) momentarily closing the circuit so that current flows from buss bar 310 through line 364 through switch 301 to line 365, thence through line 366 to one terminal of normally open micro-switch 316 of 315 through line 367 through on and off switch 368, thence through line 369 to solenoid SW of air valve N.

Also, the current flows through normally closed side of switch 302, then to line 379 to solenoid 317 on time delay relay 315, thus energizing same and raising plunger P engaging plunger P and closing the normally open switch of the time delay relay 316. This in turn forms a circuit from =buss bar 319 through line 371, through switch 316, line 367 to on and off switch 368 back to the solenoid 30* of air valve N through line 369.

As soon as the first cam 304 passes switch 3491 the switch returns to its normally open position, but a circuit has been completed through normally closed circuit on micro-switch 32 to solenoid coil 317 of the time delay relay mechanism 315. This supplies air to the air hammer and driving of the spike starts.

When the hammer actually contacts the base of the rail, the upper cam 305 (FIG. 4) actuates micro-switch 302, causing the normally closed side to open, breaking the circuit through line 37%) to solenoid coil 317 of the time delay relay 315, permitting plunger P to drop. Plunger P is connected to a mechanism in switch 316 which can be set to delay return to open position so that circuit continues through lines 367 and 369 to air valve N, thus continuing the operation of the hammer for a predetermined length of time, sufiicient to complete drivcircuit is broken, thus stopping further action.

Engagement of cam 305 also closes the normally open side of micro-switch 3%2. Current then flows from buss bar 310 through line 36 line 380 through normally open side of switch 332, now closed by cam 3%, to line 381, thence through normally closed side of switch 3%, line 332 to solenoid 383. Then current flows from, the buss bar 310 through line 384, solenoid 383, line 385 to solenoid valve 148 of air cylinder 213i). Actuation of the piston in the air cylinder 139 releases a spike, permitting it to slide downwardly to the lower spike arresting mechanism before described.

Current flow is also from buss bar 310 by line 384 to and through solenoid 3S3, thence by line 3% through normally closed side of switch 3&3, then on through line 332, back to solenoid 333. This forms a holding circuit to solenoid 148 of air cylinder 13%. As cylinders K and K are raised, earn 385 releases switch 302, permitting it to return to its normal position. Cylinders K and K and parts carried thereby then move up to top position, at which time projection 235 on cylinder K (see FIG. 25) again actuates switch 3933, again to energize solenoid 362 of air cylinder 363, as before described.

The last mentioned operation also opens the normally closed side of switch 303, breaking the circuit from buss bar 319 to solenoid 383, de-energizing the solenoid valve 143 of the air cylinder 130. This causes the piston rod of cylinder 130, which is connected to yoke bar 131, to drop and, through rods 134 and arms 136, to rotate the members 138 and 138. Such rotation moves the portions 145 and 145 from the dotted line position (FIG. 20) to the full line position, thus automatically placing such parts in a position to accept the lowermost spike of a plurality of spikes sliding down the spike feeder slide QF (see FIG. 20A). The apparatus is now in condition for another cycle of operation.

Previously a holding circuit has been described in connection with solenoid 383 and certain other parts.

The purpose of the holding circuit is to prevent the passage of a spike from the upper spike arresting mechanism to a position above the lower spike arresting mechanism until the hydraulic cylinders and associated parts have gone up to the top and returned to its lower actuating position. Under certain conditions, the operator might accidentally, or otherwise, raise the hydraulic cylinders K and K but part way up before the spike has been fully driven home and again lower the same. The spike arresting mechanism would then again have become operative to feed another spike into position above the lower spike arresting mechanism so that there would be two spikes in that position, which is not desired because it would likelycause jamming of the spike driving mechanism. Hence the holding circuit above described continues until cylinders K and K, air hammer, etc. reach the upper limit of travel, at which time micro-switch 3&3 is actuated, opening normally closed side thereof, as before described.

. Secondary Spike Driving Control It may happen that, in the normal operation of this mechanism, a spike may not be fully driven, even after the slight time delay action of switch 315, which func tions to tie-energize the solenoid of air valve N. This would leave a spike sticking up a bit above the base of the rail, which is not desired. In order to complete the driving operation, it is required that the air valve N be caused to open again for a short time so that air (which at that time had been cut from the air hammer) could again be supplied thereto.

This action is effected by pushing button 3%, closing the circuit to the solenoid of the air valve N. Eris allows current to flow from buss bar 31%, through lines 3%, 397, and 36?, to energize solenoid 3$ of air valve N. Operator holds button in so long as continued driving is desired. Because of these various controls, it is possible to obtain rapid, satisfactory operation of the apparatus under the various conditions met with in practice.

The apparatus before described functions to drive spikes on the field and gauge sides of a single rail of the track. To drive spikes for the other rail, the apparatus is lifted and turned 180 degrees. This may be done by means of a crane or in any suitable manner.

Further Comments Under the heading starting on column 9 there follows a description of the upper spike arresting means. FIG. 26A illustrates, in more detail, the position of the spikes relative to the plate ESP and the member 138. it will be noted that the lip of the lowermost spike engages the plate 138? which prevents further movement of the spike downwardly. It will also be noted that additional spikes, only a few of which are shown, are disposed in the slide 116, tending to slide downwardly and applying considerable pressure against the lowermost spike. However, when members 138 and 138 (see FIG. 20) are rotated in the direction of the arrows, the lowermost spike is forcibly moved downward to the second or lowermost section of the spike feeder slide.

Thus, while there will always be a plurality of spikes in the upper section of the spike feeder slides on both the field and gauge sides, there will be but an individual or single spike supplied to the lower section of the guides per cycle of operation. This positively avoids any iamming of spike at the place where the spike passes from the lower restraining means to the chute 169', which, as before explained, moves in a vertical direction with the spike positioning assembly, which might obtain if several spikes were present at that place.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that, at the time the spike first engages the tie, the spike will be firmly held in the jaws of the spike positioning assembly, perfectly normal to the plane of the tie; also, that as the jaw assembly moves downwardly with the ver tical frame 90, the hammer will operate to drive the spike approximately one and one half inches into the tie before the jaws open. This arrangement makes certain that after the jaws have been opened to permit further downward movement of the air hammer the spike will continue to be driven vertically.

In connection with the wiring diagram 26, reference has been made to certain solenoids 383 and 360 and time delay relay 315. These do not appear because they are positioned within the cabinet N (see FIG. 1).

Referring particularly to FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15, it should be stated that the blocks 55B are removably held in the jaws 55 and 55 by means of bolts 55C so that the blocks may be replaced when necessary, due to wear.

Also, it will be noted that the upper portions of the block 55B are provided with downwardly and inwardly sloping surfaces 652 and dil As the spike slides from the lower end of chute llil, the end of the spike engages surfaces 66 and is guided into the space between the confronting surfaces 605 of the blocks so that the spike finally comes to rest with the lip portion of the spike head engaging the surface 69 as best shown in FIG. 13.

In order to limit the closing of the jaws 55 and 55' so that space will be available therebetween to permit the shank of the spike to slide downward when delivered to the spike positioning assembly, there is provided an adjusting screw 55* which is operated in a threaded opening in one of the jaws with the end of the screw contact ing the opposite jaw, as best shown in FIG. 12. Nut SSN locks screw 55 in adjusted position.

It is believed that the stated advantages of the apparatus and operation will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates without further comment.

I claim:

Apparatus for driving railway spikes through spikereceiving holes in tie plates and into the underlying tie, comprising in combination a wheeled vehicle having a frame and being adapted to movement along the rails, a sub-frame supported from the vehicle frame and mounted for movement longitudinally of the vehicle frame for the field and gauge sides of the rail, spike-locating means carried by said sub-frame and adjustably positionable on said sub-frame relative to a tie plate, means for moving said 17 sub-frame longitudinally of the vehicle frame, means for delivering spikes to said spike-locating means with the lip portions of the spikes overlying base portions of the rail, the spike-delivering means delivering spikes to the field and gauge sides of the rail and having means for conveying spikes for one side of rail from a position on the other side of the rail; support means supportably engaging opposed portions of said conveying means and supportably mounted on said sub-frame; the conveying means including means for reversing the disposition of the spike lips relative to the underlying rail traversed in the course of being conveyed; and means for driving the spikes downwardly with the shanks of the spikes extending through the underlying spike-receiving holes in the tie plate on the field and gauge sides and into the tie thereunder; the spike driving means being supportably 18 and adjustably positionable on said sub-frame relative to said spike-locating means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 421,908 Close Feb. 25, 1890 976,513 Smith Nov. 22, 1910 1,347,943 Forsyth July 27, 1920 1,856,893 Talboys May 3, 1932 2,018,129 Jackson Oct. 22, 1935 2,910,010 Godfrey et a1 Oct. 27, 1959 2,925,048 McWilliams et a1 Feb. 16, 1960 3,111,909 Plasser et a1 Nov. 26, 1963 3,120,195 McWilliarns Feb. 4, 1964 

